Multi-purpose anchoring apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is disclosed comprising a drilling device and a tube. The drilling device typically has a first end, at which a point is located and a second end which is connected to a first end of the tube. The apparatus also includes an insertion bar having a first end inserted into the tube and a second end at which a latching device is located. The latching device can set a location of the insertion bar with respect to the tube so that a height is set. The apparatus may also include a first pole receiver connected at the second end of the insertion bar. The apparatus may include a handle which can be inserted into the insertion bar for rotating the insertion bar, tube, and drilling device to drill the drilling device into the ground.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus concerning anchoring poles in the ground.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The are many different known techniques for anchoring a pole in the ground.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in at least one embodiment, provides an apparatus comprising a drilling device and a tube. The drilling device typically has a first end and a second end. A point is located at the first end of the drilling device. The tube typically has a first end and a second end. The first end of the tube is connected to the second end of the drilling device. The apparatus also may include an insertion bar having a first end and a second end. The first end of the insertion bar may be inserted into the second end of the tube so that the insertion bar lies at least partially in the tube. The apparatus may also include a latching device which can set a location of the insertion bar with respect to the tube so that a height is set, wherein the height is measured from the second end of the insertion bar to the point at the first end of the drilling device.

The apparatus may also include a first pole receiver connected at the second end of the insertion bar. The first pole receiver can receive and retain a pole. The first pole receiver may include a latching mechanism for retaining a pole.

The insertion bar has a length and the insertion bar may have a plurality of holes dispersed along the length of the insertion bar. The latching device may include a portion which can be inserted into any one of the plurality of holes in order to set the location of the insertion bar with respect to the tube so that the height is set.

The drilling device may include a drill bar on which is located a first and second auger devices. The second auger device may be closer to the point of the drilling device than the first auger device, and the second auger device may be smaller in diameter than the first auger device.

The apparatus may further include a handle. The insertion bar may include a first opening into which the handle and through which the handle can be attached to the insertion bar. The handle can be used to rotate the drilling device about an axis passing through the tube, in order to drill the drilling device into the ground. The handle may include a first portion which has outer threads and a second portion which has inner threads. The first portion of the handle may be inserted through the first opening in the insertion bar and into the second portion of the handle in order to attach the handle to the insertion bar.

The apparatus may further include a device for holding multiple poles. The device for holding multiple poles can be inserted into the first pole receiver. A table device which can be inserted into the first pole receiver may also be provided. The table device may also include a second pole receiver which may include a latching mechanism for holding a pole.

The present invention, in one or more embodiments, also includes a method comprising the steps of forming a point at a first end of a drilling device, attaching a second end of the drilling device to a first end of a tube, attaching a latching device to a second end of the tube, and inserting a first end of an insertion bar into the second end of the tube so that the insertion bar lies at least partially in the tube. The latching device can set a location of the insertion bar with respect to the tube so that a height is set, wherein the height is measured from a second end of the insertion bar to the point at the first end of the drilling device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an anchoring apparatus for use in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a handle and the anchoring apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the handle of FIG. 2 attached to the anchoring apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a device for holding multiple poles and the anchoring apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the device for holding multiple poles of FIG. 4 attached to the anchoring apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a table and pole receiver device and the anchoring apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows the table and pole receiver device attached to the anchoring apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8A shows a front view of a pole; and

FIG. 8B shows a side view of an attachment device for attaching to the pole of FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an anchoring apparatus 10 for use in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The anchoring apparatus 10 includes a pole receiver 12, a tube 14, a bar 16, a latching device 17, a tube 26, and a bar 28.

The pole receiver 12 may be a typical pole receiver for receiving for example a beach umbrella pole. The pole receiver 12 may include a hollow tube 12 b having an opening 12 a into which a pole or stem can be inserted. The pole receiver 12 may include a latching mechanism 13 which may be attached via a pin 12 d to an extension 12 c, which is attached to the outer surface of the tube 12 b. As known in the art of beach umbrellas, for example, the latching mechanism 13 can rotate about the pin 12 d in directions C1 or C2. As known in the art of beach umbrellas, for example, when the latching mechanism is rotated in the direction C2 so that the latching mechanism 13 is in the rotational position shown in FIG. 1, a protrusion (not shown) is pushed into the hollow tube 12 b making it difficult to remove a pole, if one has already been inserted into the hollow tube 12 b or making it difficult to insert a pole into the hollow tube 12 b, if one has not been inserted into the hollow tube 12 b.

The tube 14 have an end 14 a which is fixed to an end 12 e of the pole receiver 12. The tube 14 may have an end 14 b which is fixed to an end 16e of the bar 16. The tube 14 may be a hollow tube. The bar 16 may be a solid metal bar with the exception of holes 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, and 16 d. The hole 16 a is typically larger than the holes 16 b-d. The holes 16 b-d are typically the same size. The hole 16 a typically goes all the way through the bar 16 while the holes 16 b-d do not typically go all the way through the bar 16.

The latching device 17 includes a tube 18, a tube 20, a first portion of a latching mechanism 22, and a second portion of a latching mechanism 24. The latching device 17 also includes a portion or protrusion 23, which can be inserted into one of the holes 16 b-d to hold the bar or insertion bar 16 at a certain location with respect to tube 26 to set a height. The first portion 22 may in a normal state press the protrusion 23 towards the bar 16 and when the bar 16 is slid under the protrusion 23 so that the protrusion 23 is aligned with one of holes 16b-d, the protrusion 23 becomes inserted into the particular holes of holes 16 b-d. The bar 16 is then fixed with respect to tube 26. The bar 16 can be moved by pressing on portion 24 which pivots the combination of portion 24 and 22 about pivot point 21 so that when portion 24 is pressed downwards portion 22 (and protrusion 23) come upwards or away from the bar 16, so that protrusion 23 exits the particular hole of holes 16 b-d allowing the bar 16 to again slide within tube 26.

When the bar 16 is extended out as far as possible from tubes 18, 20, and 26, and end 16f of the bar 16 will lie just inside the tube 18. A stop, not shown, within the tube 18, may be used to prevent the end 16 f of the bar 16 from coming completely out of the combination of the tubes 18, 20, and 26.

The first portion 22 of the latching mechanism may include a protrusion, not shown, which is inserted through an opening in the tube 18, in a manner known in the art. This protrusion can be inserted into any of the openings 16 b, 16 c, or 16 d to latch the bar 16 into a position with respect to the tubes 18, 20, and 26. In this manner the height of the anchoring apparatus 10 can be adjusted.

The latching device 17 is typically fixed at an end 20 a to an end 26 a of the tube 26. The tube 26 is typically hollow and the bar 16 can be inserted into the tube 26, to adjust the height of the anchoring apparatus 10. The tube 26 has a tapered end 26 b which is connected to bar 28. The bar 28 is typically a solid bar made of aluminum. The bar 28 has fixed to it a drill or auger device 30 having sharp edges 30 a and 3 b, and a drill or auger device 32 having sharp edges 32 a and 32 b. Typically the drill or auger device 30 is larger in diameter than the drill or auger device 32. Further drill or auger devices may be provided on the bar 28, or the entire bar 28 may be, or may be replaced by a drill bit, drill device, auger device, or threaded screw type device. The combination of the bar 28 and the auger devices or bits 30 and 32 may be considered a drilling device, drill device, or auger device.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a handle 100 and the anchoring apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. The handle 100 includes portions 102, 104, and 106. The portions 102 and 106 may be wooden bars or handles. The portion 104 may be a threaded portion in the form of a screw or threaded portion of a bolt. An end 104 b of the portion 104 may be fixed to an end 102 b of the portion 102. The portion 102 may have a closed end 102 a. The portion 106 may have an end 106 a with a threaded internal opening for receiving external threads of the portion 104. The portion 106 may have a closed end 106 b. The end 104 a can be inserted into the end 106 a of the handle 100.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the handle 100 of FIG. 2 attached to the anchoring apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. In operation, end 104 a of the portion 104 is inserted into the opening 16 a of the bar 16 and through the bar 16. The end 104 a is then inserted into the opening 106 a and into the portion 106. The portion 104 is then screwed into the opening 106 a of the hollow portion 106 by turning portion 102 in a clockwise direction, C3, while the portion 106 remains still or is turned in a counterclockwise direction C4. The portion 104 can also be screwed into the opening 106 a by turning portion 106 in a counterclockwise direction, C4, while the portion 102 remains still.

After the handle 102 has been attached to the apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 3, the combination handle 100 and anchoring apparatus 10 can be used to anchor, insert, and/or drill the anchoring apparatus 10 into ground 130. First, an individual may push down on the handle 100 in the direction of the ground 130 to insert and end or point 28 a of the apparatus 10 into the ground 130. Then, an individual may turn the handle in the direction C5 about an axis A (going through tube 26). This causes the sharp edges, 32 b and then 32 b of the drill or auger device 32 to dig into the ground 130 and help the apparatus 10 to be essentially pulled down into or screwed down into the ground 130. After the drill or auger device 32 has been pulled far enough into the ground 130, the sharp edges 30 b and then 30 a of the drill or auger device 30 dig into the ground 130 and also help the apparatus be pulled down into or screwed down into the ground 130. When the bar 28 has been inserted far enough into the ground 130 so that the tube 26 and apparatus 10 is firmly anchored into the ground 130, such as for example when both drill or auger devices 30 and 32 are in the ground and the end 26 b of the tube 26 is at least touching the ground 130, the individual may stop turning the handle 100. The individual may then unscrew the portion 102 from the portion 106, by for example, turning the portion 102 in a direction C4 while keeping the portion 106 still or turning the portion in a clockwise direction C3.

After the anchoring apparatus 10 has been inserted into ground, such as ground 130, various devices may be inserted into the anchoring apparatus 10. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a device 200 for holding multiple poles and the anchoring apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. The device 200 includes a device 210 and a tube 220. The device 210 includes a T-tube coupler 212, a connector 214, a cross tube coupler 216, a connector 215, and a T-tube coupler 218.

The T-tube coupler 212 includes branches 212 a, 212 b, and 212 c. Branches 212 a, 212 b, and 212 c include ends 213 a, 213 b, and 213 c, respectively. The Cross-tube coupler 216 includes branches 216 a, 216 b, 216 c, and 216 d, having ends 217 a, 217 b, 217 c, and 217 d respectively. The T-tube coupler 218 may be identifical to the T-tube coupler 212. The T-tube coupler 218 includes branches 218 a, 218 b, and 218 c. Branches 218 a, 218 b, and 218 c include ends 219 a, 219 b, and 219 c, respectively.

Branch 212 b of the T-tube coupler 212 is connected to branch 216 d of the cross-tube coupler 216 at ends 213 b and 217 d. Branch 218 b of the T-tube coupler 218 is connected to the branch 216 b of the cross tube coupler 216 at ends 218 b and 217 b. The branch 216 c of the cross tube coupler 216 is connected to the coupler 221 at end 217 c. The coupler 221 is connected to end 220 b of the tube 220.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the device 200 for holding multiple poles of FIG. 4 attached to the anchoring apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. In operation the device 200 can be inserted into the apparatus 10 by inserting the end 220 a into the 12 a of the pole receiver or latching device 12. The latch or lever 13 would normally need to be in an upward position or rotated in the direction C4. After the device 200 has been inserted into the apparatus 10, a first pole, such as a fishing pole can be inserted into opening or end 213 a of the branch 212 a of the T-tube coupler 212. In addition a second pole, such as another fishing pole can be inserted into the opening or end 219 a of the branch 218 a of the T-tube coupler 218.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a table and pole receiver device 300 and the anchoring apparatus 10 of FIG. 1. The table and pole receiver device 300 includes a latching device 302 having a latch or lever 303, a tube 304, a tube 306, a table 308, a coupler 318, a tube 320, a coupler 322, a coupler 324, and a tube 326. The table 308 may include reinforcing ribs 310 a, 310 b, 310 c, 310 d, 310 e, 310 f, and 310 g which provide the table 308 with rigidity. Each of the ribs 310 a-g may provide one quart of an inch in extra depth. The table 308 may have openings 315 and 317 (partially shown) which may be used, for example, as cupholders. The openings, such as opening 317, may include straps, such as straps 311 a and 311 b which may be used to hold a cup or beverage container.

The pole receiver or latching device 302 may be similar or the same as pole receiver or latching device 12. The tube 304 is attached to latching device 302. The tube 306 is attached to tube 304. The tube 306 and coupler 318, along with optional further couplers, may keep table 308 in a fixed position with respect to the tube 306 and the coupler 318. The coupler 318 is fixed to the tube 320. The tube 320 is fixed to the coupler 322 which is fixed to the coupler 324. The coupler 324 is fixed to the tube 324.

In operation, the table and pole receiver device 300 can be attached to the anchoring apparatus 10 by inserting an end 326 a of the tube 326 into the opening 12 a of the pole receiver 12. As for the apparatus of FIGS. 4 and 5, typically the lever or latching device 13 would need to be turned upwards in a direction C4 in order to insert tube 326. Thereafter, a pole, such as an umbrella pole, can be inserted into the pole receiver 302. FIG. 7 shows the table and pole receiver device 300 attached to the anchoring apparatus 10 of FIG. 1.

The length from end or opening 12 a of pole receiver 12 to the point 28 a of drilling bar 28 may be sixty one inches when the bar 16 is in its fully extended position as in FIG. 1. The opening 12 a of the pole receiver may be one and one eighths inches. The auger or drilling device 32 may have an outer diameter or largest diameter of one and one eighths inches. The auger or drilling device 30 may have an outer or largest diameter of two inches. The augers or drilling devices 30 and 32 may be soil or sand augers. When the bar 16 is inserted as far into tube 26 as it can go, as in FIG. 2, the length from end or opening 12 a of pole receiver 12 to the point 28 a of the drilling bar 28 may be forty-three inches. The length from an opening 18 a in tube 18 into which bar 16 in inserted to the point 28 a of drill bar 28, may be thirty-seven inches. The drill bar 28 may have a three-quarters of an inch diameter. In one embodiment a single three and three-quarters of an inch auger device may be supplied instead of the two auger devices 30 and 32.

The table 308 may be a twenty and one quarter inch diameter circular table. The opening 315 may be a three and one eighths of an inch diameter circular opening. The threaded portion 104 of the handle 100 may have a three eighths of an inch diameter. The portions 102 and 106 may be cylindrical bars having one and one eighths inch diameters. The sharp edges 30 a-b, and 32 a-b on the auger devices 30 and 32, respectively, may be bevelled or serrated for cutting.

The anchoring apparatus 10, by itself, the additional components shown in FIGS. 1-7, can be called a multi-purpose anchoring device. The apparatus 10 provides for the secure placement of a variable length pole, wherein the variable length pole may include the tube 26 and the insertion bar 16, and the length is varied by used of latching device 17. The bar 28 and auger devices 30 and 32 may be considered a boring mechanism for securing the apparatus 10 in a variety of soil densities from loose sand to hard-pack earth. Secondary functions are accomodated by pole receiver 12 which can be called an intergral secure locking mechanism. The pole receiver 12 can receive various accessory poles including a typical beach umbrella pole, a fishing pole, a table top, a volley ball/bad mitten pole, signholder pole, or a lantern hanger.

A plurality of the apparatus 10, such as four apparatus 10 may be used to provide four point support for a large rectangular table top, temporary perimeter fence posts, tenting suppports, etc.

The apparatus 10 is superior to a multi-turn screw design. The auger devices 30 and 32, which are typically soil cutting, serrated flanges of differing diameters, require significantly less torque strength applied to handle 100 for even deeper insertion and secure holding power. Unlike a multi-turn screw appoach, the apparatus 10 provides for minimal soil disturbance further enhancing its anchor grip.

The bar 16 may be made of aluminum. The tube 26 may be made of lightweight non rusting fiberglass or nylon. The bar 16 may be a hexagonal shaft. The hexagonal design prevents rotation of the inner shaft or bar 16 within the outer shaft or tube 26 to insure ease of use via the automatic alignment of the shaft or bar 16 and maximizes unit strength during soil placement.

The pole receiver 12 has a single lever 13 thumb actuated compression locking mechanism to securely fasten the above cited accessories, such as beach umbrella pole etc. the compression locking feature permits three hundred and sixty degree rotation of accessories.

The handle 100 intergral, typically located on the proximal end of the inner shaft or bar 16 Oust behind the locking mechanism or latching device 17) provides a comfortable grip and maximizes torque for ease of insertion.

FIG. 8A shows a front view of a pole 400. FIG. 8B shows a side view of an attachment device 410 inserted through the pole 400. The pole 400 may be used for attaching one end of a volleyball net. The pole 400 may have ends 402 and 404. The end 402 can be inserted into the opening or end 12 a of the pole receiver 12 of apparatus 10. The pole 400 may include holes 406 a, 406 b, 406 c, 406 d, 406 e, 406 f, 406 g, 406 h, 406 i, and 406 j.

The attachment device 410 can be attached to the pole 400 as shown by FIG. 8B. The attachment device 410 may include a portion 412 and a portion 414. The portion 412 may be an eyehook and the portion 414 may be a bolt or a portion of a bolt with outer threads. An end 410 a of the portion 414 can first be inserted through a bolt 422 and a washer 420 as shown in FIG. 8B. The end 410 a of the portion 414 can then be inserted through the pole 400 through one of the holes 406 a-j. A washer 416 can then be placed over the end 410 a and then a bolt 418 can be placed over the end 410 a. The result is that the pole 400, whose location is shown by dashed lines in FIG. 8B, is sandwiched between the washers 416 and 420. A first string or rope from a volleyball net (not shown) can then be attached to the eyehook 412 thereby attaching the net to the pole 400. Another attachment device, like 410 can be used to attach a second string of the volleyball net (not shown) at another location on the pole 400. A second pole, similar to the pole 400, and a second anchoring apparatus, similar to the anchoring apparatus 10, can be used to secure the other end of the volleyball net in a similar manner.

The pole 400 may have a length, L1, which may be five feet. The distance between two adjacent holes of holes 406 a-jmay be D1, which may be two inches. The pole 400 may have a section 403 and a narrower section 401. The section 401 may have an outer diameter of D2, which may be slightly less than the inner opening diameter of opening 12 a of the pole receiver 12, so that the pole section 401 snugly fits within the pole receiver 12. Each of holes 406 a-j may have a one quarter inch inner diameter.

Although the invention has been described by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of the present invention's contribution to the art. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a drilling device having a first end and a second end, wherein a point is located at the first end of the drilling device; a tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the tube is connected to the second end of the drilling device; an insertion bar having a first end and a second end, the first end of the insertion bar inserted into the second end of the tube so that the insertion bar lies at least partially in the tube; and a latching device which can set a location of the insertion bar with respect to the tube so that a height is set, wherein the height is measured from the second end of the insertion bar to the point at the first end of the drilling device.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first pole receiver connected at the second end of the insertion bar; and wherein the first pole receiver can receive and retain a pole.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first pole receiver includes a latching mechanism for retaining a pole.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the insertion bar has a length and the insertion bar has a plurality of holes dispersed along the length of the insertion bar; and wherein the latching device includes a portion which can be inserted into any one of the plurality of holes in order to set the location of the insertion bar with respect to the tube so that the height is set.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the drilling device includes a drill bar on which is located a first auger device.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the drilling device includes a second auger device located on the drill bar.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the second auger device is closer to the point of the drilling device than the first auger device, and the second auger device is smaller in diameter than the first auger device.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a handle; wherein the insertion bar includes a first opening, and wherein the handle can be inserted into the first opening and attached to the insertion bar; and wherein the handle can be used to rotate the drilling device about an axis passing through the tube, in order to drill the drilling device into the ground.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the handle includes a first portion which has outer threads and a second portion which has inner threads; and wherein the first portion of the handle is inserted through the first opening in the insertion bar and into the second portion of the handle in order to attach the handle to the insertion bar.
 10. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a device for holding multiple poles; and wherein the device for holding multiple poles can be inserted into the first pole receiver.
 11. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a table device; and wherein the table device can be inserted into the first pole receiver.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the table device includes a second pole receiver.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the second pole receiver includes a latching mechanism for holding a pole.
 14. A method comprising the steps of: forming a point at a first end of a drilling device; attaching a second end of the drilling device to a first end of a tube; attaching a latching device to a second end of the tube; inserting a first end of an insertion bar into the second end of the tube so that the insertion bar lies at least partially in the tube; and wherein the latching device can set a location of the insertion bar with respect to the tube so that a height is set, wherein the height is measured from a second end of the insertion bar to the point at the first end of the drilling device.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising connecting a first pole receiver at the second end of the insertion bar; and wherein the first pole receiver can receive and retain a pole.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the first pole receiver includes a latching mechanism for retaining a pole.
 17. The method of claim 14 further comprising Forming a plurality of holes in the insertion bar dispersed along a length of the insertion bar; and wherein the latching device includes a portion which can be inserted into any one of the plurality of holes in order to set the location of the insertion bar with respect to the tube so that the height is set.
 18. The method of claim 14 wherein the drilling device includes a drill bar on which is located a first auger device.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein the drilling device includes a second auger device located on the drill bar.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the second auger device is closer to the point of the drilling device than the first auger device, and the second auger device is smaller in diameter than the first auger device.
 21. The method of claim 14 further comprising providing a handle; and wherein the insertion bar includes a first opening, and wherein the handle can be inserted into the first opening and attached to the insertion bar; and wherein the handle can be used to rotate the drilling device about an axis passing through the tube, in order to drill the drilling device into the ground.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the handle includes a first portion which has outer threads and a second portion which has inner threads; and wherein the first portion of the handle is inserted through the first opening in the insertion bar and into the second portion of the handle in order to attach the handle to the insertion bar.
 23. The method of claim 15 further comprising providing a device for holding multiple poles; and wherein the device for holding multiple poles can be inserted into the first pole receiver.
 24. The method of claim 15 further comprising providing a table device; and wherein the table device can be inserted into the first pole receiver.
 25. The method of claim 24 wherein the table device includes a second pole receiver.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein the second pole receiver includes a latching mechanism for holding a pole. 